Hood River Company Recognized for Responsible Handling of Human Remains

Beam & Couch showed that companies can work ethically and still complete their projects in a timely manner, instead of covering up the discoveries in hopes that will save time and money

Courtesy: meharcorporates.com

(HOOD RIVER, Ore.) - Beam & Couch Excavation Co. of Hood River has been honored by the Heritage Programs of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for its handling of the discovery of human remains during an excavation project.

In November, while digging a trench, a company crew discovered human remains, immediately stopped work and contacted local authorities. A high probability that the remains were Native American was determined so the State Police and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) were notified. The two agencies worked with the appropriate Native American Tribes to treat the remains sensitively. Both the SHPO and the participating Tribes are thankful for the prompt response and respectful treatment of the remains by Beam and Couch Excavation Co. Tara Gauthier, an archaeologist with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, stated that the excavators, along with the property owner, "were all very helpful, and did their best to do the right thing. Because of their help we were able to quickly return the ancestral remains to the ground."

According to state officials, Beam & Couch showed that companies can work ethically and still complete their projects in a timely manner, instead of covering up the discoveries in hopes that will save time and money. "SHPO wants to thank the four excavators for having the 'right stuff' and doing the right thing," said assistant state archaeologist Susan White.

OPRD Assistant Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Roger Roper says the stewardship certificate is one way these extraordinary efforts can be spotlighted. "We are happy to create a way to recognize people doing good deeds for historic resources in the state," he said.

Heritage Programs of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department includes the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, the Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Historic Trails Advisory Council and the State Historic Preservation Office. See previous awardees at www.oregonheritage.org. For more information or to recommend someone for a certificate contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@state.or.us or (503) 986-0685.